This hearty beer cheese dip is perfect for snacking! It’s creamy, cheesy, and just a touch salty, making it great for pairing with warm pretzels.
You can’t go wrong when cheese and beer come together, right? I always laugh when my friends devour it faster than I can make more! 😂
This dip is super easy to whip up. I love serving it hot with fresh pretzels for a fun treat during game night or movie marathons. Enjoy every gooey bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the star here, giving tons of flavor. You can swap it with a medium or mild cheddar if you prefer a lighter taste. For a twist, try pepper jack for a spicy kick!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dip. If you’re looking to cut calories, you can use non-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead for a tangy flavor.
Beer: A lager or pale ale works best, but you can use any beer you enjoy drinking! Non-alcoholic beer or even a flavored sparkling water can work if you want to avoid alcohol.
Dijon Mustard: It adds a nice tang! If you don’t have any, yellow mustard can be an alternative, but it will change the flavor slightly. You could also skip it if you’re not a mustard fan.
How Do I Make the Roux Without Clumps?
Creating a smooth roux is key to a great dip. Here’s how you can do it right:
- Start with melted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and keep stirring until it’s lightly golden, around 1-2 minutes. It should smell nutty!
- Slowly add your beer while whisking continuously. This helps avoid clumps.
- Once the beer is incorporated, gradually whisk in the milk, mixing until the sauce thickens (3-5 minutes).
Take your time with this step, and your dip will be velvety smooth! Keep stirring to avoid any sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Beer Cheese Dip With Pretzels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup lager or pale ale beer (room temperature)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 package soft or hard pretzels, for serving
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling on pretzels (if pretzels are soft)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, plus a few extra minutes if you’re warming soft pretzels. It’s a quick and easy dish, ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Butter:
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. You want it to bubble gently, so keep an eye on it!
2. Make the Roux:
Once the butter is melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will create a roux, which helps thicken your dip and adds flavor. Look for a lightly golden color, but don’t let it brown!
3. Add the Beer:
Slowly whisk in the room temperature lager or pale ale, making sure to mix it well to avoid lumps. This is where the beer adds a delicious flavor to your dip!
4. Incorporate the Milk:
Now, gradually add in the milk while whisking continuously. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, around 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the Cheeses:
Lower your heat to medium-low and begin adding the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese in batches. Stir the mixture until it’s completely melted and smooth.
6. Flavor It Up:
Next, stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
7. Keep Warm:
Keep your dip warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking as you prepare your pretzels.
8. Prepare the Pretzels:
If you’re serving soft pretzels, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. If they’re soft pretzels, you might sprinkle some coarse sea salt over them for that extra flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Pour the warm beer cheese dip into a bowl and place it in the center of a platter filled with pretzels for dipping. Dig in and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
This creamy, cheesy dip pairs perfectly with the salty crunch of pretzels and makes a fantastic appetizer or snack for gatherings, game days, or casual parties. Enjoy every moment!
Can I Use Different Types of Beer in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While lager or pale ale works best for a balanced flavor, you can use any beer you enjoy. Just keep in mind that darker beers will lend a richer, more intense flavor to the dip.
How Should I Store Leftover Beer Cheese Dip?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy texture.
Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
Yes! If you like heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also opt for spicy cheese or a spicier beer to kick up the flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Pretzels with the Dip?
Warm, soft pretzels are the best choice for this dip, as they soak up the cheese beautifully. If using hard pretzels, serve them alongside as a crunchy alternative. You can also provide a mix of both for variety!
